Businesses, schools, parishes and community groups continue to demonstrate their compassion for children, young people and families by supporting our work through financial and in-kind donations.
Paw Pals Appeal
Each year, we invite community-minded organisations and individuals to support our annual Paw Pals Appeal, which raises vital funds to continue and grow our animal-assisted Education Program.
On Tuesday 30 April, all donations to the Paw Pals Appeal will be tripled, thanks to the following organisations and individuals. So, a donation of $100 will become $300! Give today at www.pawpalsappeal.org.au.
Corporate supporters
Petstock Foundation
Petstock Foundation is dedicated to empowering a better future for pets and people.
Since 2019, Petstock Foundation has been a proud Major Partner of our Paw Pals Animal-Assisted Education Program, which provides critical support to students who are struggling to return to school and learn.
“It’s a no brainer.” is how Petstock Foundation’s Strategic Manager, Jessica Curtis explains their ongoing support. “The Paw Pals Appeal and Program are such an organic and easy fit for our values that we don’t need to think much about it. The shared purpose has driven our support.”
Paw Pals delivers a trauma-informed curriculum that helps children and young people who have experienced violence, neglect, abuse, or other barriers to education to regain a love of learning. Jessica says, “We have seen the work of Paw Pals firsthand; we see how it is positively changing lives.”
Catholic Development Fund
Catholic Development Fund (CDF) has been a proud Matching Partner of MacKillop’s annual Paw Pals Appeal since 2022. Further to this, CDF continues to generously support for our Christmas Gift Drive, through the kind donation of physical gifts and gift cards for children and young people in our Out of Home program throughout Victoria.
At CDF, we're proud to support programs like Paw Pals.
Since 1956, we've been dedicated to supporting communities and making a real impact where it matters most. Our investment isn't just about money—it's about investing in children's futures and supporting initiatives that align with our values of pursuing solidarity and the common good.
Partnering with MacKillop Family Services has helped see the Paw Pals program extend to over 55 schools. Together, we've seen how our combined support can help children thrive and re-engage with education. We're proud to support this important programme that makes a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.
If you invest with CDF not only, do you earn a competitive rate of interest, but your savings will assist programs like MacKillop Family Services’ PawPals programme to continue the work the gospel calls on them to do.”
iCare Staffing
For the third year in a row, the team at iCare Staffing will be supporting the Paw Pals Appeal this April. “We are very proud to be an official partner of the annual Matched Giving Day. Paw Pals is a fantastic program that is helping students get back into the classroom with the support of therapy dogs.” Director, Ty Lehmann
Bob Stewart of Kew
A long-term supporter of MacKillop Family Services, Bob Stewart of Kew understands the importance of education in helping vulnerable children and young people develop to their potential. Through their support, Bob Stewart of Kew has provided valued support to a range of programs including Out of Home Care and Education.
Catholic Church Insurance (CCI)
CCI Giving supports CCI staff, the Catholic community and other donors to make a difference in the community through a program of matched giving.
Since 2023, CCI Giving has supported MacKillop’s Paw Pals Animal-Assisted Education Program through staff payroll giving, various fundraising activities and matched grants. CCI Giving’s contribution has helped our facilitators and therapy dogs reconnect students with education.
Community supporters
Loyola College
For more than 20 years, students from MacKillop House have led fundraising activities in support of our programs, including Out of Home Care and Education. More recently, Year 9 Student Leaders have participated in Social Justice workshops.
St Kevin’s Parish
In August 2023, generous parishioners gathered to raise vital funds through our annual Mary MacKillop Feast Day appeal.
Marymede Catholic College
In 2023, students from MacKillop House led a range of fundraising activities to raise awareness of our work in the local community. Additionally, Year 6 students participated in supporting our Christmas Gift Drive through the donation of gifts for children and young people supported by our programs, including Out of Home Care.
Caroline Chisholm Catholic College
Every year, students participate in our annual Paw Pals Appeal, which raises vita funds to support our animal-assisted Education Program. The school community also collects donated toys, books and gift cards for children and young people in our care. These gifts are distributed through our annual Gift Drive each Christmas.
Our thanks extend to the following corporate and community supporters, who have also provided valued financial support:
- 4Dimensions Building Contractors
- Aquaclear
- Aquinas College
- Carroll College, NSW
- City on a Hill
- Debbie's Place
- Domino's Pizza Bendigo
- Doncaster Secondary College
- Emmanuel College, Warrnambool
- iCare Staffing
- Il Solito Posto
- KLC Recruitment
- Mixx FM
- Our Lady of Lourds Catholic Primary School
- Sacred Heart Girls College, Oakleigh
- Sancta Sophia College
- St Bede’s College
- St Kevin's College - Glendalough (Junior School Campus)
- Sunshine Magistrates Court
- Xavier College
In-kind supporters
Brighton Grammar Junior School
For the past 13 years, students have generously donated gifts for children and young people at Easter and Christmas.
CBA Social & Charity Club
MacKillop has been a charity beneficiary of CBA’s National Community Donations Program in recent years. In addition, staff from branches across Victoria have contributed to our annual Paw Pals Appeal and donated Easter bunnies and eggs to children and young people in our care.
Our thanks extend to the following organisations and community groups, who have also provided valued in-kind support throughout the year:
- Avila College
- Aware Health
- Dance GR
- Emmauel College, Geelong
- Fairfield Primary School
- Holy Monastery of Axion Estin
- Iona College Geelong
- Kolbe Catholic College
- Ray White Rural Timboon
- Rolling Pin Pies & Cakes
- Sacred Heart College, Geelong
- Salesian College
- St Joseph’s College, Geelong
- Toorak Ecumenical Movement and Food for Friends
- Xavier College
